OFFICIAL PROGRAMME
a safe and professional environment . The Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup is the first path to this new programme and we would like to thank Yamaha for joining the initiative . We look forward to building more routes to the SBK ® Roadway and discovering the future Champions of WorldSBK .”
The Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup was such a strong idea it was supposed to have happened on the ground in 2020 , as it were , until the entire world went into the darkness and uncertainty of the Covid pandemic . The early evidence of 2021 , however , is that it has been worth the wait and the debut season is now well and truly underway .
Shaun Muir
Yamaha Motor Europe ’ s bLU cRU Racing Manager is Alberto Barozzi and he explained the makeup of the competitors in the new class itself in a little more detail . “ The riders come from all around the world , and this year for example we have four Brazilian riders , one from America and a lot from around Europe .” There were 11 nationalities in all at the first round .
There was also a first official test for all the hopefuls at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli on 23 – 24 May before round one , and the same circuit hosted round one of the championship recently .
The riders come from all around the world , and this year for example we have four Brazilian riders , one from America and a lot from around Europe .
One of the key elements of the new series is the provision of a truly level playing field in all regards .
Before the testing action got underway in May the riders were issued with their KYT helmets , Gaerne Boots and Gimoto leathers , and were given a welcome brief to introduce them to the series . The youngsters were also presented with their Yamaha R3 machines , which they would be riding for the first time on the second day , as the first contact was given over to making sure everyone understood all aspects of their new opportunity .
The riders also took part in a technical workshop in the morning of day two aimed at helping them understand the set-up and adjustability of their new R3 machines . There was also an important riders ’ briefing before they even ventured onto the circuit for the first time .
EXCITING CONTENT
Other one-make series have been organised in the past to find talent from within the MotoGP™ world but the SBK ® Roadway programme is a Dorna WSBK Organization ( DWO ) initiative aiming to integrate emerging talents within the WorldSBK paddock , while giving them the opportunity to compete in a professional racing environment .
The Yamaha R3 bLU cRU European Cup may be the first project set to join the SBK ® Roadway initiative , but it will not be the last .
Gregorio Lavilla , the WorldSBK Executive Director and a one-time professional rider who made a strong career for himself inside WorldSBK , said , “ The SBK ® Roadway programme is a key initiative for DWO as we aim to develop young talents to the WorldSBK family . It is very important for us to support younger generations in the early stages of their career in
The actual testing action was split into six 20-minute sessions , with the changeable conditions meaning the competitors got to experience riding with both the slick and rain Pirelli tyres . After a wet opening session , the track continued to dry until the rain returned ahead of the fifth session , which was duly cancelled . Fortunately , it dried up again for the final opportunity to ride ahead of the 2021 campaign itself .
After the Misano test Barozzi said , “ The staff had a really big task in getting everything prepared ahead of this first meeting , they did a great job and everything ran very smoothly . A personal thanks to the JIR Organization and all the partners that were able to be there : Pirelli , Suter , Öhlins , Gimoto , and to everyone else that has supported this new project , including Pata , NL and Dorna , who have all come together to support the new racing generation .”
As well as the 27 permanent riders , there ’ s still an opportunity for more
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